Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick connective tissue on the sole of the foot that attaches to the heel (aponeurosis or plantar fascia). The function of this band is to tighten the base of the foot, maintaining the plantar curvature, and cushion the impact derived from the act of movement on the sole of the foot.
This condition can cause significant pain and affect the ability to walk, especially during the first hours of the day.
In general, plantar fasciitis is due to overuse (very common among athletes), its stretching, or the presence of certain predisposing factors.
Until recently it was thought that this problem was only associated with the presence of a heel spur (calcaneus), and although it is true that this is one of the causes of plantar fasciitis, it is not the only one.
The spur is a bump on the heel bone. The presence of this structure causes inflammation of the adjacent tissues, including the plantar fascia, and, like plantar fasciitis, causes pain and difficulty in walking.
It is important to understand that the heel spur can be a consequence of chronic tension in the plantar fascia, rather than the direct cause of pain.
The classic symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain, sometimes disabling, either in the sole of the foot or in the heel.
Treatment usually includes several therapeutic modalities aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
In acute cases, corticosteroid infiltration can be used directly into the plantar talar fascial insertion. This procedure must be performed by a specialist and is reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment.
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that can significantly affect quality of life, especially in active people or those who spend a lot of time standing. Early approach with conservative treatment is usually effective in most cases.
It is fundamental to identify risk factors and modify them when possible, as well as follow the specialist's recommendations to achieve complete recovery and prevent recurrences.
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick connective tissue (plantar fascia) that is located on the sole of the foot and attaches to the heel. This condition causes characteristic pain, especially in the first hours of the morning.
The main symptom is pain in the sole of the foot or heel, which typically appears when getting up in the morning and improves during the day. The pain can worsen when walking long distances or after periods of rest.
Not necessarily. Although the heel spur may be present and contribute to symptoms, plantar fasciitis can occur without a spur. The spur is more of a consequence of chronic tension in the fascia.
Recovery time varies according to severity and response to treatment. With adequate conservative treatment, many patients experience significant improvement in weeks or months. Consistency in treatment is key to recovery.
It is recommended to consult a specialist when pain persists for more than a few weeks, interferes with daily activities, or does not improve with basic measures such as rest and analgesics. Early evaluation can help prevent complications.